Research appearing in microPublication Biology builds on 2022 paper
in Epigenetics
.png "Seven of the eight research authors attended The Allied Genetics Conference (TAGC) in Washington D.C. in March 2024. From left: Will Griffin, Jackson Parks, Andrea Duina, Reece Forrest, Agustin Kalinowski, Lilly Francis, and Joey Beard (not pictured: Caroline Tackett).")
ABOVE: Seven of the eight research authors
attended The Allied Genetics Conference (TAGC) in Washington D.C.
in March 2024. From left: Will Griffin, Jackson Parks, Andrea Duina,
Reece Forrest, Agustin Kalinowski, Lilly Francis, and Joey Beard (not pictured:
Caroline Tackett).
CONWAY,
Ark. (November 15, 2024) — Hendrix College Professor of Biology Dr.
Andrea Duina and his team of undergraduate researchers and lab technicians working
with yeast cells have had additional research published that sheds light on
certain cell mutations and defects associated with a human neurodevelopmental
condition called Bryant-Li-Bhoj syndrome (BLBS).
The
article, “Trapping of
yFACT at 3’ ends of genes is not a universal characteristic of yeast versions
of Bryant-Li-Bhoj syndrome histone H3 mutants,”
was published in the journal microPublication Biology on October 25,
2024. It is based on National Science Foundation-funded research done
exclusively in Duina’s lab at Hendrix, and includes student authors Lilly
Francis ’25, Reece Forrest ’24, Agustin Kalinowski ’25, Jackson Parks ’24, Will
Griffin ’24, and lab technicians Joey Beard ’23 and Caroline Tackett ’22.
This
latest publication stems from a project begun in the Duina lab about two years
ago, which itself was an extension of work
published in the journal Epigenetics in 2022. The
work with yeast cells chronicled in both papers involved reproducing cell mutations
that are associated with BLBS. The Duina lab team found that several of the
mutations cause defects in specific processes associated with chromosomal
functions. The new publication includes evidence that some of the mutations
behave differently from each other in terms of the types of processes they
interfere with.
“Our
findings in yeast could provide insights into the molecular mechanisms
underlying BLBS in human patients since yeast and human cells share a high
degree of similarities in their biology,” Duina said.
Duina
also noted that the all-Hendrix team showed remarkable dedication to the
project that will serve them well as they progress through their scientific
careers. “I am particularly thankful to the National Science Foundation for not
only having funded this project, but also for continuing to support the
research that is ongoing in my lab,” he said. “NSF support advances much-needed
research and makes an incredible difference for the students who get to be
involved.”
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That
Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and
celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic
quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus
life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III
sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since
1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and
a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the
Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity,
service, and joy.” —Hendrix
College Statement of Purpose